Pearson debuts new global accelerator class

Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, today announced the nine edtech startups that have been selected to participate in the 2014 Pearson Catalyst for Education programme (http://catalyst.pearson.com). They represent leading startups from the United States, Canada, Israel and Australia. The virtual education accelerator programme, now in its second year, will help these businesses scale their platforms to make a positive impact on the future of learning.

Through Catalyst, Pearson collaborates with innovative technology companies that specifically address key learning challenges put forward by Pearson businesses - such as developing digital solutions to help teach computer science in the classroom, as well as assessing and building 21st century skills. Over 215 applicants from more than 30 countries applied to participate in the programme. There will be a total of ten companies in the programme, with nine of the startups announced today. The companies will have access to Pearson resources and subject-matter experts as they work with Pearson to find solutions for the challenges.

Diana Stepner, VP of Innovation Partnerships & Developer Relations at Pearson, said: “Following a strong first year, we were very impressed by the quality of applications to the Pearson Catalyst for Education 2014 accelerator class. We believe that by partnering with the startup community, together, we can more quickly tackle true educational challenges and make a real impact in learners’ lives. It’s exciting to connect Pearson teams with innovative startups that share our passion for making a difference in education.”

Last year’s startups addressed challenges such as new services for higher education students and mobile applications for test preparation. Out of the five startups in the inaugural year, two have gone on to become official Pearson Technology Partners: ClassOwl and Ace Learning Company.

“Pearson understands what we dream up and want to achieve. It is incredible to combine working with children and our passion for technology,” said Jonathan Schor, CodeMonkey Studios.

“Pearson can help improve our product, and also provide mentorship on how to grow our company and play on an international stage,” commented Karen Jeffrey and Toby Kavukattu, co-founders of ForAllRubrics.

“We are thrilled to work with Pearson to tap the full power of educational games in the classroom by building Playfully.org, which will translate data into real-time feedback to improve learning outcomes,” added Jessica Lindl of GlassLab.

Based in Israel, CodeMonkey is an engaging online game that teaches children computer programming. ForAllRubrics is a rubric and badging platform for teaching and learning, working with students, teachers, and school and district administrators, and GlassLab explores the potential for existing, commercially successful digital games to serve both as potent learning environments and real-time assessments.

The startups will also learn about Pearson’s efficacy framework. As announced at SXSW, this insight will help Pearson Catalyst for Education startups define and measure the outcomes the solutions they build with Pearson can have on learners.

Pearson recognises that many of the world’s big educational challenges are too big to be addressed alone and is committed to collaborating with the startup community through initiatives such as Pearson Catalyst for Education, Edupreneurs in developing markets, the company’s API programme as well as partnerships with incubators and coworking spaces (including 1776, LearnLaunch, RocketSpace and MaRS).

About Pearson Catalyst for Education

We identify the most promising education startup companies that share Pearson’s commitment to improving people’s lives through learning. Through Pearson Catalyst for Education, we match startups with Pearson brands to deliver pilot programs. Over the course of three months, we offer them access to Pearson resources – such as product experts, innovators and industry veterans – and the opportunity to work closely with a Pearson brand. Watch highlights from last year’s Catalyst programme and follow us on twitter @Pearsonlabs, #PearsonCatalyst.

About Pearson

Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in more than 70 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning.

We provide learning materials, technologies, assessments and services to teachers and students in order to help people everywhere aim higher and fulfil their true potential. We put the learner at the centre of everything we do.